The benefits of giving up alcohol

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25 contributors in last 30 days

Derby Tup Jan 2022 5:29pm, 2 Jan 2022 53,482 posts	0 Derby Tup We had friends round for dinner a few weeks ago and said bring your own if you want a drink
HappyG(rrr) Jan 2022 5:48pm, 2 Jan 2022 40,668 posts	0 HappyG(rrr) As it was, I would haveen able to offer (from the drinks cupboard!) - gin, whisky, sgerry, port, coffee liqueur etc and probably white wine, beers, and cider from the utility room. But it's more the fact that I forgot it! 16 years into sobriety and it's the first Christmas that I didn't visit the booze aisle in shops for guests! Happy Sunday all! G
HappyG(rrr) Jan 2022 5:55pm, 2 Jan 2022 40,669 posts	0 HappyG(rrr) Just found a good quote in a management theory book that I'm reading. It is about 100% sticking to principles being easier than 98%. "Decide what you stand for, then stand for it all of the time." Clayton Christensen, Harvard Business School. Just felt it chimed with what some of us have found in giving up alcohol. Not saying it's the only way, nor that there is anything wrong with cutting down. Just an interesting reference, I thought. G
Looby loo Jan 2022 6:11pm, 2 Jan 2022 1,947 posts	0 Looby loo I am currently on a 15 day streak it would be over 2 months but for 2 units. One wine with a friend ( lunch) One G&T with MIL. The thing is I didn’t really fancy either. So this year if I don’t want it I’m not having it to be sociable.
Diogenes Jan 2022 7:58pm, 2 Jan 2022 65,891 posts	0 Diogenes I just cooked and ate a really good roast dinner. Usually I would’ve had a good glass of red swine with it, and I have to say I’m craving one right now.
Derby Tup Jan 2022 8:01pm, 2 Jan 2022 53,485 posts	0 Derby Tup Make a big mug of your preferred tea or coffee and have that. If that doesn’t staunch the craving go to bed. You’ll feel better tomorrow either way. The best method to avoid red wine is to not have it in the house Good luck
HappyG(rrr) Jan 2022 9:55pm, 2 Jan 2022 40,670 posts	0 HappyG(rrr) Well done for resisting Dio. Like DT days, find domething else that usually enjoy to drink. Or something else to do after eating if craving still there. If all else fails, then early to bed is very effective. And use the extra time in morning for a run, or book or other treat. Or just extra sleep, which is always good for you. Great work. G
mrs shanksi Jan 2022 9:58pm, 2 Jan 2022 13,331 posts	0 mrs shanksi Stay with us Dio!
Diogenes Jan 2022 10:28pm, 2 Jan 2022 65,893 posts	0 Diogenes I had a cup of tea and a mince pie.
Derby Tup Jan 2022 10:37pm, 2 Jan 2022 53,490 posts	0 Derby Tup Good work

About This Thread

Maintained by HappyG(rrr)

Looks as though this thread has become popular again, here in 2010 (it's now 2024, and it started in 2008, so I think "ever popular" might be more apt! :-)

G )

Good Luck everyone.

A recent plea for those struggling to "reach out" as they say in US of A!

"Anyone not feeling strong and confident, please shout out. Or fmail. Or any other comms that works. Don't drink alcohol when you don't want to, for lack of someone to talk to. Pick up the phone, not the bottle."

Some acronyms, in case people use them:
JFT - Just for today
ODAAT - One day at a time
KIS - Keep it simple
TBOGUA - The Benefits Of Giving Up Alcohol (the title of this thread!)

New feature: article/blog of the month (period may change randomly!) Swittle's wonderful 14,611 days blog: (see links below)

Linking Joopsy's 17 year blog too, cos it's awesome!

There is a GREAT article summarising some of the benefits, to save you having to trawl through the thread (includes links to helpful apps and other resources).

And a great list of Alternative Drinks started by the lovely LindsD:

Please add to these articles and make them as valuable as possible! Thanks! :-)

G

And one from way back when...
Dirt Monkey's brilliant blog on TBOGUA too - go try this...

Rebel has recommended a couple of good books:
The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober: THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
by Catherine Gray

The Alcohol Experiment: 30 Days to Take Control, Cut Down or Give Up For Good
by Annie Grace

A great response from a health professional in Ireland responding to a question from a Guardian reader about why the warnings on alcoholic drinks that are coming in:

theguardian.com

"Alcohol is responsible for at least 1,000 cancer cases every year in Ireland, with one in eight breast cancer cases arising from alcohol use. Even one to two drinks per day increases the risk of developing cancer, and that risk is the same whether those drinks are wine, spirits or beer. Unfortunately, there is a very low level of public awareness that alcohol has been classed as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is carcinogenic to humans. That is why Ireland has passed legislation that provides for health information labels on alcohol products, including warnings about cancer, liver disease and the danger of drinking in pregnancy. It is unsurprising that the alcohol industry, which promotes its products with carefully crafted myths of good times for all, is objecting to the mandatory provision of facts (Anger brews in Italy over Ireland’s plans for alcohol health warnings, 12 January).
Dr Sheila Gilheany
CEO, Alcohol Action Ireland
"

And the all important fabulous services:
Alcoholics Anonymous
National Helpline (FREE) 0800 9177 650
help@aamail.org

Al Anon
020 7403 0888

medal

Contact TBOGUA medal

We're adding in our own Fetch offer of one to one contact too, for anyone who doesn't want to post in the thread for whatever reason. Please feel free to fmail ANY of the names listed below.

- - - -
HappyG(rrr)
( Oscar the grouch RIP )
mrs shanksi
Derby Tup
iaincr
Love Lettuce
DocM
LindsD
GeneHunt59
GregP